Albert Barnes Commentary Isaiah 5:22

"Woe unto them that are mighty to drink wine, and men of strength to mingle strong drink;" — Isaiah 5:22 (ASV)

Woe unto them that are mighty... - This is the sixth specification of crime. He had already denounced the intemperate in (Isaiah 5:11). But probably this was a prevailing sin. Perhaps there was no evidence of reform; and it was needful to repeat the admonition, in order that people might be brought to regard it. The prophet repeats a similar denunciation in (Isaiah 56:12).

Mighty - Perhaps those who prided themselves on their ability to drink much without becoming intoxicated; who had been so accustomed to it, that they defied its effects, and boasted of their power to resist its usual influence. A similar idea is expressed in (Isaiah 56:12).

Men of strength - The Chaldee understands this of rich men; but, probably, the reference is to those who boasted that they were able to bear much strong drink.

To mingle - To mix wine with spices, dates, drugs, etc., to make it more intoxicating; (Proverbs 9:2, Proverbs 9:5). They boasted that they were able to drink, without injury, liquor of extraordinary intoxicating qualities.

Strong drink - See the note on Isaiah 5:11. On the subject of the strong drink used in the East, see Harmer’s Observations, vol. ii. pp. 140-148. Ed. Lond. 1808.